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Launch of The Greenbelt Book Celebrates the Success of the World's Largest, Best Protected Greenbelt

David Crombie joins Friends of the Greenbelt CEO and author Burkhard Mausberg at Ben McNally Books to launch the Greenbelt Book

TORONTO, APRIL 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Local residents and environmental enthusiasts gathered at Ben McNally Books to celebrate the launch of a new book from Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation CEO Burkhard Mausberg about the history and success of Ontario's Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is a compelling coffee table book filled with beautiful photography and rich stories from the Greenbelt, published by Barlow Books.

This event was the first of 9 regional events across the Greenbelt, giving residents and enthusiasts the opportunity to meet the author, hear panel discussions with people interviewed in the book, and celebrate Ontario's Greenbelt. A complete event listing is available at www.greenbelt.ca/book.

Former Mayor of Toronto David Crombie spoke to the crowd about his vision for the Greenbelt and the region as the Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review. Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute and Foundation Board Member Rick Smith joined environmental lawyer and advocate David Donnelly, and former Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Municpal Affairs and Housing Judy Pfeifer to talk about being there at the very beginning of the movement to create Ontario's Greenbelt.

"The Greenbelt is essential to our region as a protector of prime farmland and natural resources, and an effective tool to curb suburban sprawl," said David Crombie, former Mayor of Toronto. "This book captures the stories of the people who make the Greenbelt so valuable, and shows how important it is that we continue to protect the landscape."

The book contains candid interviews with key policymakers who contributed to the creation of the Greenbelt, including former premiers Bill Davis, Mike Harris, and Dalton McGuinty. The Greenbelt also tells the stories of the farmers, activists, environmentalists, and entrepreneurs who made the Greenbelt a success, including Ontario wine pioneer Don Ziraldo, singer Sarah Harmer, and chef Jamie Kennedy.

"In my 12 years of leading the Greenbelt Foundation, I have met so many engaged, dynamic people who live and work in the Greenbelt. This book is the opportunity to share their stories and celebrate what makes the Greenbelt a success," said Burkhard Mausberg, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation CEO and author of The Greenbelt. "It isn't my book, but belongs to all of the people who have tirelessly led, battled, prevailed, and succeeded in creating our Greenbelt."

Everyone that appreciates the beauty of Ontario, and especially the allure of its farms and hamlets, waterfalls and caves, fields and trails will find this book an essential read.

About the Greenbelt:Ontario's Greenbelt is the solution for fresh air, clean water, healthy local food, active outdoor recreation, and a thriving economy. At nearly 2 million acres, it's the world's largest permanently protected greenbelt, keeping our farmlands, forests, and wetlands safe and sustainable. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation works to help keep farmers successful, strengthen local economies, and protect natural features. Learn more at: greenbelt.ca.